The film consists of a fluent succession of exactly 50 short sketches, most of them with a tragicomic undertone. The cast is non-professional and alienating techniques such as presenting the characters in grim make-up and having them talk directly to the camera are extensively used. The financing was troublesome and the shooting took three years to finish. The film won the Silver Hugo for Best Direction at the 2007 Chicago International Film Festival and has received positive reviews. It is the second film of an unfinished trilogy, Songs from the Second Floor being the first.
There is no central plot, but some of the vignettes connect loosely. All the stories show the essential humanity of the characters and address themes of life, existence and happiness.
The film ends with a montage of different characters who suddenly stop in the middle of everyday chores to look up into the sky. Dixieland music is once again played as the camera is put on the wing of an airplane. A large formation of B-52 bomber planes appears in front of the camera as they fly menacingly in over a large city.
There is no central plot, but some of the vignettes connect loosely. All the stories show the essential humanity of the characters and address themes of life, existence and happiness.
The film ends with a montage of different characters who suddenly stop in the middle of everyday chores to look up into the sky. Dixieland music is once again played as the camera is put on the wing of an airplane. A large formation of B-52 bomber planes appears in front of the camera as they fly menacingly in over a large city.
